As an educator with more than seventeen years of experience, I continue to find passion in the challenges of leading in Paterson Public Schools, the third largest school district in New Jersey.  I served in several roles starting with teacher of computer applications for seven years, second and fifth grade math teacher for three years, technology coordinator for two years, teacher coordinator for just under four years, and then as school-based supervisor for one year before returning to the classroom due to massive budget cuts, where I now serve in the department of special education.  While some would view this as a devastating set-back; it has been the exact opposite.  For the first time in years I was forced to slow down and catch up with who I am today.  After two recent and major losses of very dear and close loved ones (my parents), my desire to explore new possibilities has far exceeded my typical daily interactions.  I developed a hunger for something more… something fresh.  I needed to be challenged in a very different way before returning to a higher stake leadership role.  For me, this involves exploring new leadership perspectives while meeting new people and forming new and meaningful networks.  Although I continue to enjoy teaching, I am also enjoying this new journey of self-discovery.  Teaching and learning are sacred pathways as you cannot have one without the other, and having the opportunity to do both is amazing.